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Paracelsus

1959
(American, 1905–1999)
America, 20th century
gelatin silver print, waxed, from a paint on celluloid negative
Image: 35.4 x 26 cm (13 15/16 x 10 1/4 in.); Matted: 61 x 50.8 cm (24 x 20 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1996.294
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Description

This photograph, from a rare group of experimental cameraless photographs, was made by applying paint to a large piece of cellophane, which was used as a negative. The image resembles a flayed human torso without legs, arms, or head. A sense of layering and disintegration are characteristic of Frederick Sommer's work. The title Paracelsus refers to the nickname of a famous German physician of the 16th century. Born Theophrastrus Bombast von Hohenheim (about 1490–1541), Paracelsus was a healer, apothecary, metallurgist, and alchemist who disavowed traditional knowledge. Undoubtedly this wanderer and learned doctor appealed to Sommer, whose own life has close ties with Surrealism and New Age Spiritualism.
Paracelsus

Paracelsus

1959

Frederick Sommer

(American, 1905–1999)
America, 20th century

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